Police have discovered 300 Bitcoin (BTC) mining rigs stolen from a farm in Paraguay following a major operation by the Department of Anti-Kidnapping (DAS).
According to Brazilian mass media Portalo do Bitcoin the operation followed a theft in Paraguay’s Alto Parana province in April.
At the time, police explained that 492 BTC miners were stolen from the farm after its manager was “overpowered” by the attackers.
DAS explained that this month they conducted a raid on a commercial property in the city of Presidente Franco.
They said they found 300 mine rigs along with cellular devices, firearms and ammunition.
One man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.
DAS published photos of their detention.
The remaining 192 mining facilities have not yet been restored.
Police said the theft was carefully orchestrated and saw “about a dozen” hooded men attack the Alto Paraná farm before fleeing with the mining rigs.
DAS claimed that the mining rigs were connected to power outlets and the Internet.
All 300 rigs were in “full operation,” the officers explained.
DAS immediately proceeded to shut down and confiscate mining rigs.
The DAS noted that the man was handed over to the prosecutor’s office.
Paraguay: Draw for Bitcoin Miners?
In recent years, Paraguay has become something of a hotspot for cryptocurrency and BTC mining.
The country’s glut of hydroelectric power has attracted the attention of many miners, especially from Asian basins, looking to relocate from China over the past few years.
Politicians in the country tried to open the door for miners from 2021, but faced opposition from the country’s president.